Masa and Joan Yamamoto were surprised when they went to the mall Wednesday. “We come every Wednesday,” Joan said. “And we kept seeing the sign that said, ‘Opening in July.’ But it didn’t say when in July.” Wednesday, the couple
Masa and Joan Yamamoto were surprised when they went to the mall Wednesday.
“We come every Wednesday,” Joan said. “And we kept seeing the sign that said, ‘Opening in July.’ But it didn’t say when in July.”
Wednesday, the couple was greeted by a bright orange “Open” sign flashing in a plate glass window. Upon checking they were informed that L & L Hawaiian Barbecue was indeed open.
The Asian-American fusion eatery opened about a week before deadline.
Masa celebrated with an order for a hamburger steak mini, the first retail order passing through the counters.
Manager Patty Zhau said the Kukui Grove location is the chain’s second on Kaua‘i. The first is in Waipouli across from the Kapa‘a Fire Station.
Zhau said while there are similarities in both stores, the new location sets itself apart in several ways.
One way is in the express line, where diners can select various items from a steam table.
“Here we will have a more international menu,” Zhau said. “In Waipouli, it’s only Chinese, but here, we’ll have more Asian selections including Filipino food.”
Fare includes saimin, burgers, chili bowls, combination plates, seafood, chicken, pork and beef dishes, as well as the Chopstick Express.
Additionally party planners can choose from a list of offerings to cater to small to large groups.
Speaking of large groups, a steady stream of food court regulars trooped through the glass doors, lured by the aroma of a busy grill preparing for the lunch rush.
“We finally have saimin on the mall,” one of the browsers said after studying the menu. “We’ve never been able to get saimin on the mall.”
Zhau said L & L’s hours are tentative for now, but the store should be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For a limited time, diners can enjoy a 10 percent discount to celebrate the opening.
L & L now has more than 180 shops in Hawai‘i, California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New York.
Johnson Kam and Eddie Flores Jr. opened the first L & L Drive-Inn in 1976 on Liliha Street on O‘ahu.
